PCC Courier 05/31/12

COURIER

Swim team’s choppy season

Pasadena City College

Page 8» Volume 105, Issue 12

Fallen soldiers honored at service

The independent student voice of PCC. Serving Pasadena Since 1915.

A day of remembrance

Continued on page 7

Facebook PCC Courier Twitter @pccCourier May 31, 2012

Dramatic testimony in ‘Kitty Litter’ Trial

GALEN PATTERSON-SMITH Staff Writer

Veterans from the Veterans Club honored their fallen comrades at a Memorial Day service at the veterans memorial wall on Thursday.

Reverend Albert Cohen, a Navy veteran of the Korean War, contributed two minutes of prayer for the fallen at the opening of the ceremony.

“On Memorial Day, we’re talking about ultimate commitments that people have made and will make,” said Cohen. “I have an idea of what is the appropriate thing to do and the appropriate thing to say,” he said.

Among the crowd of about 100 people, veterans from all branches of the armed forces stood in the overcast heat of the mid-day to recognize the sacrifices made by those who came before them and those who served with them.

“Since I’ve served in the military, I think it’s important to honor those who served before, that’s how I feel deep down inside,” said Chase Rodgers, art, a Marine veteran.

“It’s a good thing to do for Memorial Day. I certainly don’t want to recall how many people I know that have died, otherwise, I’d drink it all into oblivion,” said Alex Hellsund, journalism, and Navy veteran.

Attendees at the event were asked to share what Memorial

Online edition pccCourier.com

Neighbor describes brawl upstairs on night of victim’s disappearance NEIL PROTACIO Editor-in-Chief

Natalie Sehn Weber/Courier Veterans, students and staff gather to honor fallen solders during a Memorial Day ceremony at the Memorial Wall on May 24.

A new witness in the second trial of a PCC student accused of killing his girlfriend took the stand Tuesday, saying that she heard the upstairs brawl between Isaac Campbell and Liya “Jessie” Lu that ultimately led to a “loud smack, like skin hitting skin.”

Campbell, a former PCC student, was arrested in 2007 and charged in connection with the killing Lu, also a PCC student, and stashing her body in a recycling bin filled with kitty litter. His first trial, which lasted two months, ended with a deadlocked jury.

On the night of Lu’s disappearance, Nikki Kazadi, the downstairs neighbor of Campbell, said that she could hear a lot of the interaction happening upstairs.

“It’s an old apartment,” Kazadi said in Alhambra Superior Court on Tuesday. “You can hear footsteps, water running. You can hear everything.”

Kazadi was pregnant at the time and was waiting to take her prenatal vitamins before going to sleep. After doing so, she lay in bed unable to sleep.

“I was laying in bed and I heard the two arguing,” Kazadi said. “Then the two started getting louder and louder. I heard her scream, ‘Why did you have to f*** her?’ And then he kept saying, ‘No, no I didn’t.”

Lu then started sobbing, Kazadi recalled, before she started screaming again.

“I heard him scream out ‘F*** you,’ and then charging footsteps and a big smack sound, and then it was quiet,” Kazadi told the court.

Continued on page 7

Only half as many classes to be offered in summer CHRISTINE MICHAELS Staff Writer

A 52 percent cut in sections is being made to this summer’s intersession which will include only 191 sections, compared to summer 2011’s 369, officials say. Deans were asked to keep sections which move students towards degrees and transfers, called “completer courses,” said Director of Institutional Effectiveness Crystal Kollross.

Vice President of Instruction Robert Bell explained the courses are vital to students who wish to move forward

Speak out!

Is Tuesday’s vote important? vote at pccCourier.com

with degrees. “It’s been challenging for deans to choose classes students have to take to transfer,” said Bell.

According to Kollross, the seats in certain classes have been increased.

“The sections existed, we just upped the seats in some sections, like [Argiro] Kiotas’s psych 1 class,” she said.

Seats are increased in sections where dean – picked instructors can handle large group instruction. Bell explained the classes with the most demand had seat increases.

Eight ESL classes were added to the summer intersession, with international students allowed to fill half of the seats

at Bell’s request. “It can seem conflicting to someone on the outside that we have cut so many courses, but then we add sections,” said Bell. The international students’ tuition covers the cost of the section by itself, said Bell.

“Twelve international students can pay for the course to be open, it’s a win – win situation,” he added.

The summer section cuts were made in response to possible budget cuts in November, according to Bell. “What the deans and I are doing is prelims for the big ‘what ifs’ okf the possible cuts here, which is estimated at $10.2 million. We need to start planning now,” he said.

‘Intersectionality’

Make­up smarts

Gender and cultural diversity brought into the spotlight

Cosmetology gurus get under your skin

Page 2»

Page 6»

Gabriela Castillo/ Courier

2

News

Courier

Police Blotter May 10 A faculty member received three emails from a former student seeking a friendship. A review of the emails found no violations of statutes. The faculty member will contact campus police should the former student attempt further contact.

May 17 A student reported that she was being harassed and threatened by an unknown man.

Investigation revealed no assault occurred nor was a suspect identified.

May 21 At about 2:41 am, a man was found parked on the roof in Lot 4, level 5. The man was subsequently escorted off campus.

May 31, 2012

Stem cells not invincible, expert says F. E. CORNEJO Staff Writer

Stem cells are not invincible and therefore not likely to be the magic wand in the world of medicine, but they may be a great clue in finding what will be, a research professor explained on Thursday.

As part of a stem cell seminar series, Barbara Driscoll, Ph. D presented a lecture in the U Building titled “The Impact of Aging on Stem Cells.” The presentation covered basic information about stem cells, the aging process of mammals and how the two are crucial to the next great

discovery in medicine.

Driscoll is an assistant professor of Developmental Biology at USC and a researcher at the Saban Research Institute at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.

“We’re really kind of stuck. Is aging a disease or is it simply the platform for disease?” she said.

“There is no standard genetic program for aging,” Driscoll said.

“Everyone gets old in a different way.”

Even organs have different hierarchies of stem cells and therefore age differently. The lung, which is the focus of Driscoll’s research, hits peak

function at age 25 and begins its decline. There is no way to recapture lost lung function, but Driscoll said “people can lose 60 to 70 percent lung capacity and still be fine,” as long as they aren’t trying to run from wild animals.

Current lab testing is geared toward determining if stem cell therapy can prevent the premature aging of lung stem cells and/or repair already damaged stem cells to regain lung function.

“Researchers hope they can train stem cells into becoming specific cells so that those specialized cells can be used to regenerate and repair diseased or dam-

Division realignment moves forward

May 22 A Bookstore staff member reported the possible theft of four books, valued at $514.

When the officers arrived the suspect had departed. Police have a description of the suspect but were unable to establish his identity.

MARY NURRENBERN Staff Writer

May 24 A facilities worker reported his radio and electric cart key were stolen from his cart at the C building. Later that evening the radio was discovered on top of a closet in the C building. The keys remain missing. No suspects or further information.

May 24 Two men got into a physical altercation. Officers responded, separated the combatants, and interviewed the parties and witnesses. One of the combatants received a minor abrasion during the altercation and was provided first aid by an officer. Neither party wished to press charges.

May 25 A cell phone was reported missing from the C Building. An investigation revealed a custodian found and removed the cell phone from campus. The tracking feature of the cell phone was activated and provided sufficient evidence to question the custodian, who was subsequently arrested in connection with the theft.

May 25 Eight microphones with an estimated value of $2,000 were reported missing from the music lab. The reporting party provided possible leads to the missing items. This investigation is ongoing.

Compiled by Philip McCormick

aged tissues in people,” according to an article on the Mayo Clinic’s website. “People who might benefit from stem cell therapies include those with spinal cord injuries, type 1 diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, heart disease, stroke, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and multiple sclerosis. Stem cells could also be grown to become new tissue for use in transplant medicine.”

Driscoll said that damage to stem cells that occurs during development can also have a profound impact later in life, like premature aging and disease.

Natalie Sehn Weber/Courier Associated Students Vice President for Internal Affairs Daniel Perea and Miranda Alvarado, vice presidentelect for Academic Affairs, rock it on the catwalk during the Intersectionality Week Drag Show in the Creveling Lounge on Friday.

“Intersectionality” week celebrates diversity BRENDA RENTERIA AND KARLA SOSA Staff Writers

Students and guests praised social differences hoping to better understand other cultures at a three-night event celebrating “intersectionality” last week at the Creveling Lounge.

The Reunited Organization of Filipino Americans and the Yankuititl Aztec Dance Group performed at the Multi-Cultural Gala on May 22, presenting cultural dances and even giving the audience a chance to participate in them.

“Both groups put on a great performance,” said Samantha Torrez, English major. “I have never seen anyone dance like that, and their garments were so colorful, and ornate,” she said.

Also at the gala, Los Angeles artist Lilia Ramirez was the guest speaker where she recited

some of her poetry. Ramirez is an artist and educator working with adolescents in arts education as a tool for healing and transformation.

On May 25, a workshop entitled “Racial and Responsible Gender: Feminism, Masculinity, Misogyny & Femininity” was given by Sinclair Sexsmith from Sugabuch Chronicles.

The interactive workshop covered topics like what are gender roles and stereotypes, and how men and women can break these roles and build them back up responsibly.

“There’s many ways to do gender outside of society norms. I hope we can expand our gender roles in society,” said Sexsmith.

Sexsmith majored in gender studies and creative writing at the University of Washington, because she was trying to figure out her gender. She later found

out she was “trans-butch” between male and female gender roles.

Sexsmith hopes that with the talks she gives, people can understand their sexuality better. “It’s always good to take a gender studies class. There are a lot of things you can learn about yourself,” said Sexsmith.

Sexsmith has gotten emails about how she has changed peoples’ lives after the workshops. “It feels great reading the email I get, and knowing how you can change someone’s life by them reading my blog or going to the workshops,” said Sexsmith.

On Friday, students and faculty learned more about the culture of drag and were given a chance to dress in drag for a competition.Participants dressed up as the Queen of England, Jason Mraz, Tom Cruise and Britney Spears.

The College Council approved a portion of the realignment plan to have the Business Division and Engineering and Technology Divisions get permanent deans at its meeting May 23. The motion was approved with 10 in favor and three opposed.

Another realignment move approved was to have the Career and Technical Education division’s dean position be consolidated into a position that is dean and director. Eleven voted in favor, none opposed and three members abstained.

“We have scores of faculty that deserve a dean,” said Roger Marheine, Faculty Association president and English instructor.

On the proposed list of changes was one to move the architecture department to The Visual Arts and Media Studies division. After a plea from Coleman Griffith, Engineering and Technology instructor to not move architecture, a motion was made to keep it in the Engineering and Technology division.

“I cannot see the advantage of us moving at this time until there is a greater understanding of what is happening in the college as a whole,” said Griffith. A vote on the proposal to move architecture was approved with seven in favor, two opposed and one abstention.

The council also voted to have the Community Education Center report to the vice president of educational services until June 30, 2013 and then report to the vice president of instruction.

Upcoming Events Today “Brass Bash” - The brass ensemble is holding a free concert in the Jameson Amphitheater at 6 p.m.

Friday “Don’t Shoot the Soprano” Anne Marie Ketchum directs three one-act operas in the Sexson Auditorium at 8 p.m.

Friday, on Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m., and Sunday at 4 p.m.

Tickets are $15 general admission, $10 for students, and sold only at the door.

“Crimes of the Heart” - Will

Ahrens directs Beth Henley’s most famous play in the Little Theater, C 106. Performances are Friday at 8 p.m, Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m, and June 7 and June 9 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $10 general admission, $5 for students, and sold only at the door.

Saturday Piano Ensemble Concert Phillip Young and Cynthia Williams direct the ensemble in a free concert at 8 p.m. in Harbeson Hall.

Chamber Ensembles Concert Classical music performance will

be held at 4 p.m. in Harbeson Hall. Admission is free.

“Silent Voices” - Heather Corwin directs student written one-act plays in the Little Theater C 106. Performances are Saturday, Sunday and Monday at 7:30 p.m., June 7 and 8 at 8 p.m., and June 9 at 2 and 8 pm.

Admission is $5.

Sunday The Lancer Concert Band will perform at 6 p.m. in the Jameson Amphitheater. Admission is free.

Compiled by Dusty Earl

May 31, 2012

Courier 2011 JACC General Excellence Award Winner Editor­in­Chief Neil Protacio News Editor Nicholas Zebrowski Assist. News Editor Paul Ochoa Online Editor Galen Patterson­Smith Assist. Online Editor Ander Arostegui Arts & Entertainment Editor Jessi Alva Assist. Arts & Entertainment Editor Mary Nurrenbern Opinion Editor F.E. Cornejo Assist. Opinion Editor Philip McCormick Sports Editor Nicholas Saul Assist. Sports Editor Brenda Renteria Features Editors s Cicely Chisholm, Christine Michaels Photo Editor Gabriela Castillo Assist. Photo Editor Teresa Mendoza Chief Photographer Daniel Nerio Online Photo Editor Louis Cheung Scene Editors Buren Smith, Max Perez Social Media Editor Justin Clay Multimedia Editor Natalie Sehn Weber Staff Writers: Antero Barrantes III, Brandon Drexel, Dustin Earl, Tiffany Herrera, Amar Kasopovic, Edwin Lee, Michael McGrath, Raymond Pecson, Luis Rodriguez, Karla Sosa, Colin Sum Staff Photographers: Kevin Balmadrid, Katherine Bussey, Megan Carrillo, Nikki Debbaudt, Minela Dela Cruz, Steven Fuel, Antonio Gandara, Ya Ling Hsu, Ronald Johnson, AnthonyRichetts, Steven Valdez, Blair Wells Faculty Adviser Warren Swil Photography Adviser Tim Berger Advertising Coordinator Anthony Richetts The Courier is published weekly by the Pasadena City College Journalism Department and is a free­speech forum. Editorial opinions and com­ ments are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the position of the institution and its administra­ tion, student government or that of the Pasadena Area Community College District.

The Courier is written and produced as a learning experience for student writ­ ers, photographers and editors in the Journalism Department.

Phone: (626) 585­7130 Fax: (626) 585­7971 Advertising: (626) 585­7979 pccCourierAds@yahoo.com Office: 1570 E. Colorado Blvd., CC­208 Pasadena, CA 91106­3215 E­mail: pccCourier@yahoo.com The first copy of the Courier is free.

Additional copies are $1 each © Copyright 2012 Courier.

All rights reserved.

Opinion

Courier

3

Editorial

Be grateful: Show up at the polls These are not happy times in California, certainly not in the work force or in the education system.

Californians have faced a multitude of obstacles recently; unemployment, poverty, education cuts, protests and police brutality, all due to a failing economy and mismanagement on the part of elected officials.

Every election season brings about a slew of “Rock the Vote” type campaigns to attract new voters and reengage disillusioned voters, splashy campaigns should be totally unnecessary.

If students can be motivated to protest , while sometimes putting their safety at risk, then they should be self-inspired to vote.

As students, taxpayers, parents, protesters, educators, employers and Californians the simplest, non-violent and most effective way we can change the direction of our state is to vote.

Without question, the political process can be painfully slow and disappointing.

Troubling and turbulent as these times may be, they do not compare with the times in our nation’s history when people had to fight for their right to vote.

The 15th Amendment to the Constitution of 1870 states the “right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of race, color, or previous condition

of servitude,” giving AfricanAmerican men the right to vote.

“The promise of the 15th Amendment would not be fully realized for almost a century.

Through the use of poll taxes, literacy tests and other means, Southern states were able to effectively disenfranchise African Americans,” according to the Library of Congress website.

“It would take the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 before the majority of African Americans in the South were registered to vote.”

Not until 1911, just more than 100 years ago, did women win the right to vote, but only in California.

The 19th amendment was not

ratified until 1920, after a 57-year struggle, according to the League of Women Voters.

Many citizens for many years struggled just to win the right to vote.

They encountered numerous setbacks, but they powered on in the hope that one day their voices might be reflected in public policy.

How dare we insult their work with laziness and apathy? Many of us still would not have the right to vote were it not for their efforts.

If nothing else, history has taught us that there will always be some kind of struggle.

Be grateful. Be inspired. Be heard. Be a part of your own solution. Be a voter.

Was the 30-day term for the Rutgers bully justified?

Y

Justice was served N E since Ravi not O S charged with murder

RAYMOND PECSON Staff Writer

Tears of relief, not sadness were shed by Dharun Ravi, the former Rutgers student who was found guilty of spying on his roommate with a webcam, after a judge made the right call by leniently slapping him with a 30-day jail sentence.

However, some might think it wasn’t punishment enough when you throw in the fact that his roommate, Tyler Clementi, was gay and ended his own life by jumping off a bridge after discovering Ravi told others of his encounter with another man.

Although it was a blatant act of invasion of privacy, Ravi was never charged with murder and never deserved severe punishment.

Ravi faced five to ten years in prison and that was just too harsh a sentence for secretly videotaping a roommate.

Ravi didn’t push Clementi off the bridge, nor did he threaten to do so. It would’ve been heinous if he was sentenced like a murderer.

He was a teenager at the time and calls what he did a result of “dumb kid” actions.

“I was 18, I was stupid, I wouldn’t think about my actions beyond a minute into the future,” Ravi said in a television interview. “I wasn’t the one who caused him to jump off the bridge.”

College kids do stupid things

and that is exactly what Ravi did.

But he didn’t do anything stupid enough to land him years in prison with killers and rapists.

Many were quick to use Ravi as an example of bullying. They labeled him anti-gay and guilty of a hate crime, but he was none of the above.

“I had to go up there in front of a judge under oath and say I intimidated Tyler because of [his] sexual orientation,” Ravi said. “[But] I don’t hate gay people.”

Ravi never intended to have Clementi kill himself and his actions were not a case of an eye for an eye, and the judge saw this.

“A defendant in a criminal case is not entitled to a perfect trial, he’s entitled to a fair one,” said presiding Judge Glenn Berman. “I’m convinced without any question he got a fair one.”

A perfect verdict for the Clementi family probably saw Ravi rotting in a cell for 10 years, but cooler heads prevailed and the judge ruled correctly with justice, compassion and reason while still scolding Ravi for his recklessness. “[Ravi] is not convicted of a hate crime,” said Judge Berman.

“I do not believe he hated Tyler Clementi. He had no reason to, but I do believe he acted out of colossal insensitivity.”

The judge was right, and justice was served in the sentencing of Ravi.

ONLINE POLL RESULTS Online, we asked: Was the 30­day jail sentence for the Rutgers bully the right decision?

Results as of 5 p.m. Wednesday: 41% Yes vote 59% No

at pccCourier.com

Hate crime conviction warranted more severe punishment

DUSTY EARL Staff Writer

Tyler Clementi, a Rutgers University undergrad, threw himself off the George Washington bridge in New York City on Sept. 22, 2010.

In the days before his death, Clementi’s roommate, Dharun Ravi, had used his web cam to spy on Clementi’s romantic tryst with another man, and tweeted about it to friends and classmates.

Ravi was convicted on several charges including witness tampering, invasion of privacy, and intimidation bias.

The maximum sentence for Ravi’s crimes is ten years in jail.

Many, including some gay activists, were hoping for leniency in a case of a prank gone wrong, but nobody expected how lenient Judge Glen Berman would be.

At the May 21 sentencing, Judge Berman scolded Ravi for his lack of remorse, saying, “I haven’t heard you apologize once.” He added, “you can’t expunge the conduct or the pain you caused.” But despite the harsh words, the punishment was light.

He sentenced Ravi to 30 days in prison as well as three years

probation, community service, meager fines, and counseling on cyberbullying and alternate lifestyles.

During sentencing, Berman said he believed Ravi acted not out of hate, but out of, “colossal insensitivity.” So the judge essentially overturned the intimidation bias conviction.

Ravi did act out of hate.

Clementi was different, and Ravi exploited that and set him up for ridicule. He did this because of Clementi sexual orientation.

If Clementi had brought a woman to their room, would Ravi have spied on them and shared it with classmates?

Unlikely.

Yet, even with just the invasion of privacy, witness tampering, and other charges not related to hate crimes, he should have received a stiffer sentence.

He committed a detestable act, and tried to cover it up.

Judge Berman didn’t want to make an example of Ravi for whatever reason, but he ended up doing so with his sentence.

He’s saying that anyone can spy on their roommate’s most intimate moments, gay or straight, drive them to suicide, lie to police, never apologize, and still expect leniency.

Editor’s note: Ravi on Wednesday decided to begin his 30-day sentence, after apologizing for his ‘thoughtless and immature’ actions.

Note to Readers Letters to the Editor

The Courier welcomes letters to the editor. Letters should be about 300 words and may be edited by Courier staff. All letters must contain your full name and a correct daytime phone number. Letters can be delivered to the Courier office in CC 208 or sent by e­mail to cornejo_courier@yahoo.com.

Corrections The Courier staff endeavors to ensure accuracy in all aspects of its report­ ing. If you believe we have made an error, please contact us at (626) 585­7130 or via e­mail to protacio_courier@yahoo.com.

SCENE

Courier

May 31, 2012

7

Protesters stand in front of the U.S Recruitment center across from campus.

The group protested to free Bradley Manning, a young soldier who was arrested and charged in connection with leaks of government secrets.

Nyantaisuren/ Courier

Daniel Nerio/Courier The clocktower and quad as seen from the R Building late at night.

Daniel Nerio/Courier Late night students wait in line at the food hut to buy snacks.

Around the clock A day in pictures displays the variety of life on campus Joseph Dealba, 19, computer science, keeps the hacky sack up in the air with his bare foot while playing in a hacky circle with fellow students next to the Mirror Pools.

Justin Clay/Courier Members of the football team engage in passing drills during spring practice at Robinson Field. The Lancers are making preparations for the upcoming fall football season.

Blair Wells/ Courier

Ronald Johnson/Courier Scott Russell, 36, welding, cuts an I beam with a cutting torch in welding class.

Protesters stand in front of the U.S Recruitment center across from campus.

They supported Bradley Manning, a young soldier who was arrested amd charged with leaking government secrets.

Nyantaisuren/ Courier Natalie Sehn Weber/Courier Students walk the passageway between the C and V Buildings as they make their way to and from class.

Ronald Johnson/Courier Celina Sutton, 21, graphics communication, works on her class project.

6

Features

Courier

Aspiring actress finds work on the small, big screens

Cosmetology student, Ashley Meyers shows her hair design on a mannequin head at the Cosmetology Salon.

BRENDA RENTERIA Staff Writer

Teresa Mendoza/ Courier

Cosmetology more than skin deep KARLA SOSA Staff Writer

Cosmetology isn’t just learning how to put make-up on, or doing hair do’s. It’s a whole different world, it’s about taking care of your skin, experts say.

“Skin is the most important thing that everyone should worry about,” said Teresa Brown, a cosmetology instructor.

Brown strongly recommends wearing sun block. “If you put on sun block before leaving your house, you are preventing yourself from aging faster and getting spots on your face,” said Brown.

Darla Glover, cosmetology, knew she always wanted to

May 31, 2012

learn cosmetology. She was always doing her sisters’ hair before they would go to school.

This month, Glover won an award at the SIBE Hairshow in Los Angeles.

“I love studying [cosmetology] it has taught me so many new things, especially how to take care of my skin,” said Glover.

She recommends for women to use products for their face, since it helps the skin get a healthier glow.

Ashley Meyers, cosmetology, has been in the program for nine months. “I love coming here every day, the teachers are great, they’re always helping students,” said Meyers.

Meyers recommends women to use make-up brands that will help their skin, and not make them clog your pores. “The products that women get, shouldn’t have that many chemicals, because it can cause damage to the skin,” said Meyers.

Collen Cayocaa, cosmetology, is in the program because she wants to help women feel better about themselves, “I want for women to see that they are beautiful, I want to help them feel confident about themselves,” said Cayocca.

Brown, Glover, Meyers and Cayocca all agree that sun block is the most important thing that women should always wear.

For Shannon Stone, 21, film and television isn’t just her major, but a passion and dream that is starting to come true.

Stone has been acting in school plays and performing in talent shows since middle school, but it wasn’t until she started working as an extra for television shows and movies that she learned what she wanted to do with her life.

“I always knew I wanted to be a part of the film business, but I am still figuring out what the best option for me is, “ said Stone.

“In high school I was a part of the media program making films, acting, along with editing and writing; I [still] love editing, photography, and design,” she said.

Currently Stone has had reoccurring roles as a high school student on “Pretty Little Liars”, “90210”, “Subergatory”, and “Glee.” She has also been on a few bigger shows like “Dexter”, “Revenge”, “Desperate Housewives”, and MTV’s “Fantasy Factory” and in the trailer to The Amazing Spiderman movie coming out later this year.

“I’ve had a lot of different featured roles. Sometimes they have lines, and sometimes they just need me to be next to the main actor, or react to an actor in a certain way,” said Stone.

A classmate of Stone’s, Eric Pagliotti said, “I saw her in Fantasy Factory [recently] and I thought it must be fun to do what she was doing.”

“I thought that it was pretty cool that my friend was on a TV

Shannon Stone, 21, on the set of Law and Order: Los Angeles

show I watched,” said Pagliotti.

Stone said she had met some of her best friends on these sets.

“It makes the experience that much better,” said Stone.

Her parent’s and family have been supportive of her and even go to her to get the inside scoop on their favorite shows.

“My parents have always wanted me to finish school and get my degree. I look back now and I am very grateful they have kept me on this track and supported me through it all,” said Stone.

Stone is in her last semester at PCC and will be transferring to CSU Long Beach in the fall.

“I have always wanted to skip school and go straight to working, but I do believe education is really important and I am excited to start at a brand new school that will help me focus on my major,” she said.

Percussion ensemble drums the night away DUSTY EARL Staff Writer

The PCC Percussion Ensemble showcased its beats in the Lillian Vosloh Forum on May 25.

Percussion program head Tad Carpenter directed the night’s arrangement that included solos and duets as well as large ensemble pieces with many different instruments.

The concert was a departure from ensemble performances in the past that did more traditional pieces. “I wanted [students] to come experience some of the composers we did tonight.

They’re kind of out there, very contemporary, and kind of quirky,” said Carpenter.

One of the high points of a

night filled with fantastic timing, was the amazing performance of Alice Gomez’s “Gitano, Mvt. I,”

by Daniel La France on marimba and Pablo De Lazaro on cajon.

De Lazaro and La France are both veterans of the Percussion Ensemble.

The cajon, a box-shaped instrument from Peru was especially well played by De Lazaro who has, “more of a Latin background,” he said.

Music major Dani Rico especially enjoyed Eugene Ahn’s rendition of Bach’s Gavotte en Rondeau on marimba. “I’ve heard that song a zillion times, so it had better sound good, and it did,” she said.

Giselle Garcia, undecided, who is a drummer herself, also liked Ahn’s performance. “I really enjoyed it. It was beautiful,” she said of the top-notch marimba playing.

The big finale was a large ensemble performance of Airto Moreira’s “Lua,” featuring a host of different percussion instruments. It capped the night with an epic feeling.

May 31, 2012

Courier

7

Transit system offers driving alternatives LUIS RODRIGUEZ Staff Writer

A model of Formula E-Racer that won first place last year at Art Center College of Design in Pasadena.

Daniel Nerio/Courier

Teams to design elastic-powered car CHRISTINE MICHAELS Asst. Features Editor

The Art Center College of Design, a top design and engineering college, is working again with design programs at PCC to create a unique learning opportunity for six chosen students.

The “Formula E (elastic)” racecar design project is 14 weeks long. One PCC student is paired with two graduate engineering students to create a car that will run on one industrial strength rubber band as an energy source, according to Design Instructor Stan Kong. He chose students with a high interest in design and a good sense of professionalism. “They are great representatives of PCC,” Kong said.

The project began in 2006 by the Art Center’s Andy Ogden.

Last year was the first time PCC students were included in the program. Ogden, a long time friend of Kong, a past instructor at and alumnus of PCC, explained he was more than happy to offer access to students who wanted to expand their knowledge and experience in design. “Stan kind of guilt – tripped me into getting PCC students in on the race,” Ogden chuckled, “It was a great experience last year, so, we are doing it again.”

There were a few concerns with beginning the integration

last year, said Kong. “We were worried about the age difference and more importantly the huge discrepancy with the education levels. But the teams worked well. The older students were like mentors and the younger students rose to the call of duty,” said Kong with a smile.

“It’s really a great learning experience for the students, and it’s a top rank division with highly focused individuals,” Kong said. “Plus, the grad students usually take care of the cost for the car.”

A racecar of about 18 inches can cost up to $1,000, according to Kong.

Graduate student John Badalamenti helped to pay for his winning racecar last year. His team members were graduate student Jan Lienhard, who has an internship with Porsche this summer, and PCC student Zhun Wang, who received a scholarship to attend Art Center this coming year. “Jan and I paid for the car parts, we wanted to take the load of off Zhun,” Badalamenti said.

Industrial design major Justin Babikian is looking forward to working with higher - level students. “It will be a different learning experience. It won’t be like professors lecturing students, it’s more on an equal playing ground,” he said.

The students unanimously

agreed there was an opportunity to learn different perspectives.

Entertainment design major Eric Yip explained his major is very different and out of the ordinary compared to the other design students. “I want to see the different ways to integrate engineering and entertainment design,” he said, “There are more possibilities.”

According to Ogden, the most important learning experience is working in teams. “It’s different to learn in groups. Learning the art of how to be in a team with people you don’t know is very rewarding,” said Ogden.

Kong felt the same.

“Teamwork is key, and it makes the learning experience fun,” he said with a smile.

Badalamenti explained how the team’s experience was expansive.

“It was different in the beginning. Jan and I were on a different level than Zhun. But he was willing to learn and had a hand in the concept design of our car. I enjoyed it,” he said.

Kong has high hopes for this year’s “Formula E” racing teams. “Students say this is one of the best experiences they have in college. Last year, six of the eight PCC students who were in the project decided to [transfer] to the Art Center. It’s a phenomenal place for opportunity,” he said.

New witness testifies about night of slaying Continued from page 1

“Had you heard the voice before?” asked Prosecutor Steve Ipson.

“It was Isaac’s voice,” Kazadi said. “I’ve heard that before.”

Kazadi said that after the smack, everything went quiet.

Ipson put Lu’s picture up in front of the court.

“Did you ever see her [Lu] again?” Ipson asked.

“No,” Kazadi responded.

Asked why she did not call 91-1 or file a complaint with the apartment manager, Kazadi said she felt it was none of her business.

“I didn’t want anything to do with it at the time,” Kazadi said.

“I really thought he was comforting her when it was quiet.”

Jim Duffy, Campbell’s public defender, questioned Kazadi about details of the night in question.

“Are you saying that five years later your memory of the event is getting better?” Duffy asked.

“No, I’ve just had an opportunity to think about it,” Kazadi responded.

Duffy continued to press Kazadi about the time and date of the fight she heard. He offered to show her a transcript of the first interview conducted with her in November 2011.

“In your original statement to Detective [James] Just, you said you couldn’t make out what they were saying,” Duffy told her.

“Do you think looking at the transcript of that interview will help you remember?”

Kazadi told the court that it wouldn’t help, and that when she first talked to police it was the first time she had thought about that night in years.

“I had time to think about it, and I had to think about it, after I talked to the police,” Kazadi said. “The more I think about it, the more it comes back.”

Duffy continued to question Kazadi about the possibility of Detective Just suggesting specif-

ic dates and times for the incident until the judge ordered him to stop.

“If you think there is an issue with Detective Just suggesting specific details, you need to take it up with Detective Just,” said Judge Stan Blumenfeld.

Kazadi’s husband, Sanza Kazadi, also testified.

Sanza Kazadi reiterated his testimony from the first trial.

“I saw him [Campbell] the morning of August 11. I was at a restaurant in Pasadena with some students of mine and I saw him come in with a young woman,” Sanza Kazadi said.

“Was it Liya Lu?” Ipson asked.

“It was not,” he said.

August 11 is the night that Lu disappeared.

Under cross-examination Duffy asked Kazadi if he would say that he has a better recollection at his earlier testimony.

“I would not say that, no,” Kazadi replied.

A large number of students bypass the stress of owning and maintaining a car by utilizing public transportation, but no two students share the same experience.

“I’m taking the bus because my car got stolen,” said Andrew Vasquez, psychology.

“It’s convenient and I’m saving money on gas, but sometimes it doesn’t even come on time. Even the smell of the bus can be weird.”

Vasquez reluctantly got on the 180 Metro bus at Colorado Boulevard and Hill Avenue but others are grateful that they can take the bus despite the drawbacks.

“You can get the I-Pass for both Metro and Foothill for $30. I use it a lot and not just for school. I like to go to Los Angeles and see my friends,” said Devon Ruiz, graphic design, while waiting for the 267 on Del Mar Boulevard.

“I’ve definitely had some intruders who don’t leave me alone and at night when you’re

by yourself, it can be scary,” said Ruiz.

A common complaint among commuters on the bus is that it just takes longer to get where they’re going “You have to be patient,” said Amber Castillo, graphic design.

She had missed her bus by a couple minutes and had to wait an hour for the next one but seemed unfazed and took out her iPod. The extra time can be used to study for an upcoming test or just to relax.

The PCC website recommends not sleeping on the bus if one alone and if someone is bothering you, to loudly say “Leave me alone” and find another seat.

“You do meet a lot of interesting people. It just changes the way you look at people, but if it’s anything less than 10 miles I just run,” said Chan Man Chiu, elementary education, “I don’t have to spend money on gas or insurance.”

With a little patience and a good book, taking the bus can be a good way to get from point A to point B.

Fallen soldiers honored Continued from page 1

Day means to them.

U.S. Army veteran Art Borgquist, told the stories of several young men who died in Vietnam, several of whom he knew personally. “There are so many boys that bought the

farm,” said Borgquist.

“This is our (veteran’s) Dia De Los Muertos,” said Harold Martin, adjunct professor and retired Army veteran.

“We honor not war, but warriors…we enjoy the chances and dreams they (the fallen) never experienced.”

COUR IER

May 31, 2012

SPORTS

Ortiz wins state badminton title BRENDA RENTERIA Asst. Sports Editor

It’s not every day a Lancer athlete PCC makes history, but freshmen badminton player Angie Ortiz did just that.

On May 12, Ortiz became the first CCCAA State Individual Singles badminton champion in the 13 years of the program.

In the finals match at San Diego City College, Ortiz rallied from a set down to defeat City College of San Francisco’s Evonne Zheng, 18-21, 21-12, 2112.

“I felt wonderful, and for a moment I couldn’t believe I [had] won,” said Ortiz. “I have won other tournaments … but nothing like the state championship.”

She’s not the only one who’s pleased.

“I am very proud of Angie,” said Bill Sanchez, badminton coach. “She works [hard] on and off the court and I [am] especially proud [of] how she supports the other players and coaches.”

Ortiz was leading in the first set, but let her guard down and ended up losing the set.

“In the second set I could already see that Zheng was getting really tired, and I knew what I had to do,” said Ortiz.

“Ortiz’s style [of play] is fast paced and aggressive,” said

Sanchez.

She likes to move her opponent around the court and tire them out. “I do believe that I beat her in three sets because she got too tired,” Ortiz said.

In the semi finals, Ortiz faced the number one seeded player, LanAnh Nguyen from San Diego City College, the same opponent who had broken her 44-game wining streak the week before.

The rematch was one in two straight sets with identical scores of 21-19, 21-19.

“Going into the semi-finals to play Nguyen, was nerve wracking and very scary,” said Ortiz.

“I honestly thought I was going to lose, but I never gave up and I gave it my all and I ended up surprising myself in the end,” she said.

While playing against Nguyen, Ortiz kept recalling their match the week earlier to help her in forming a game plan.

“Coach helps me keep my head in the game,” she said. “He reminds me constantly that I have to play my game, and not let my opponents play theirs.”

Nguyen, became very tired to the point of almost throwing up, said Ortiz. “Stamina is a key point in singles,” she said.

Ortiz is not sure yet if she will play next season.

“My priority has always been school, so if school work allows

Ronald Johnson/ Courier Angie Ortiz at podium, receives a congratulatory hand shake from President Mark Rocha after becoming the first womens CCCAA state singles champion in PCC badminton history. Also attending were head coach of the women’s badminton team Bill Sanchez and Athletics Director John Woods.

it like this season, then for sure I will play,” said Ortiz.

Musing on one day having a

picture of herself inside the Hutton-Patterson Gym, Ortiz said: “That would be the best

recognition of all. I would feel honored to represent PCC in such a special way.”

Swimmers experience individual success, as team struggles EDWIN LEE Staff Writer

The PCC swim team ended its season with a bittersweet taste.

The men’s team finished with a record of 3-4 in dual meets, sixth at the South Coast Conference final and fifteenth place at the California Community College Athletic

Association Swim & Dive State Meet.

The woman’s team finished 53 in dual meets, fourth place at SCC finals and 29th at CCCAA State Meet.

Stephen To shined at the CCCAA state championships as he flew to win the men’s 200 butterfly state title.

Head Coach Terry Stoddard

felt the season went well. “Our individual events at state and conference, but our team performance was not that high,” said Stoddard.

Stephen To, undecided, was pleased with his performance this season. “[Swimming] new many personal best times in different events was a good accomplishment,” said To, “Winning

state was icing on the cake after a good season.”

Anthony Vega-Fujioka, biology, pushed himself this season and was able to swim strokes he never did before. “Our team has transformed this season and showed a lot of potential for the future,” he said.

Cario Liu, kinesiology, did well in his individual events.

“Coach Stoddard would give me encouragement after each race regardless of what happened,” Liu said.

“I plan to train harder and [have] better time management for next season,” said Michael Chiodo. Chiodo’s performance also improved as the season progressed.

Injured athletes get help at training clinic LUIS RODRIGUEZ Staff Writer

Anthony Richetts/ Courier Head Athletic Trainer, Patty Bellali instructs a CPR course to a small group of athletic trainers at the campus' training center located in the Hutto-Patterson gym.

Athletes get hurt. A lot.Those that do can use the athletic training clinic in GM-111 to get help with things from routine physicals to sprained ankles.

“We do the prevention, evaluation, treatment and rehabilitation. All of our athletes start off with a physical by our orthopedic surgeon,” said Patty Bellali, head athletic trainer.

Working alongside Bellali is the other athletic trainer, Rudy Aguilar.

“The most injuries come from football, but badminton players [also] do get hurt. With soccer we have a lot knee and ankle injuries and with volleyball we get a lot of shoulder injuries, of course,” said Bellali. “A few years ago we had a cheerleader

come in with what we thought was a bug bite but it wasn’t healing. She was really pale and got referred to the ER. She had gotten bitten by a spider but eventually recovered.”

Not all injured athletes who come in are in as dire condition.

“I’ve used the [athletic training facility] numerous times,” said Yanni Joseph, anthropology.

“We have a lot of resources for athletes. When they get hurt or injured in any way you don’t have to make an appointment to see a doctor.”

“I play volleyball and I had a third degree ankle sprain but it wasn’t too bad because I had Patti and the staff to help me.

Patti is awesome, she’s really supportive,” added Joseph.

The resources available are extensive. The state-of-the-art facility is equipped with electri-

cal stimulation and ultrasound units, full-size whirlpools, ice machines, hydrocollator units (hot packs), stationary bikes, a treadmill, paraffin bath, an AED, treatment tables and an extensive taping counter.

The clinic also has a separate examination room, staff room, hydrotherapy room, as well as an office in the center.

“I use it like to do [electrical stimulation] therapy,” said Lio Maino, biology.

“Rudy’s awesome. He pushes you and sometimes he gets a little crazy, but he gets it done. It’s definitely good for us to have this,” Maino said with a smile.

Since the current sports season ended, the tape and pain relief cream scattered around the facility aren’t getting as much use, but Bellali and Aguilar are getting ready for summer and fall.